Ted Deutch

YOUR REACTION: PRISM & THE NSA

Recent news that the National Security Agency has created a secret program called “PRISM” to monitor all Internet traffic coming to and leaving from the United States has reignited the debate about our civil liberties and the ongoing war on terror. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I am always concerned about striking the balance between protecting our nation and protecting your privacy.

What do you think about Edward Snowden, the man who leaked the PRISM program to the American public?*I believe we must protect whistleblowers like Mr. Snowden who exposed to the American public the extent of the federal government’s secret surveillance capabilities.I am concerned that private contractors like Mr. Snowden could have access to my most private and personal information and am alarmed by the massive expansion of federal security contracting since September 11th.I am outraged that Mr. Snowden leaked these secrets and believe he should be tried for treason.I am not sure.

What is your general impression about the PRISM program?*The PRISM program is the latest in the string of attacks on our civil liberties that began following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001.I am alarmed that NSA employees, private contractors, and others could have access to my most personal information online and believe this program is ripe for abuse.I am not ready to pass judgment on the PRISM program itself, but I do believe the American people have every right to be informed about it.The government should be able to keep programs like PRISM secret because our national security should always come first.I am not sure.